a collection of what makes up our life here in this part of the world...
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12/23/2011

cool christmas cash cans

This is the first year that we have given some cash to our older nieces and nephews as gifts. We've always said "we'll never do that" but we also go with the flow and the last thing the kids need is more "stuff". As they get older, they are starting to want to save towards more expensive and long-lasting purchases. I get that and we'll make our contribution towards their savings efforts!

I just couldn't hand them an envelope with cash in it though, so being the crafty aunt that I am, I searched pinterest for some ideas and was inspired by a pop can idea.

I bought some cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (pasta sauce to come) with pull-tab lids. I used a can opener and opened up the bottoms leaving about 2cm still connected, emptied them out, washed them out and let them dry overnight.

I filled the cans with some wrapped candies and a bill rolled up with some ribbon.

Next, I made sure all the items were at the bottom (really the top) of the can and I glued the cut out base back in place with a couple of layers of hot glue. As I was doing this and commenting that there was such a big gap between the cut out lid and the can, Neil mentioned I should have used the new can opener which wouldn't have done that. Note to self...use new-fangled can opener next time!

To spiffy the cans up, I covered them with scrapbooking paper, cut out circles to cover the base and then glued on a ribbon over the bottom edge.

I added ribbon and a jingle bell, along with a gift tag around the top rim.

I love the way these turned out and think they would be fun for birthdays too. You could add candy, small toys, jewellery, a gift card, etc. Very fun!